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At least 20 people have been reported killed and more than 50 missing on Dominica as the tiny Caribbean island bore the brunt of Tropical Storm Erika.
Approximately 1,000 people have been evacuated from the town of Petite-Savanne in the southeast of the island by boat due to damage to roads and bridges.
The island’s prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, declared disaster status for nine local areas on Saturday and called for international aid.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office reported flooding and widespread damage to Dominica in an updated travel advisory issued last night.
“Currently the main airport remains closed and some roads and bridges are damaged,” the FCO said.
“The government of Dominica has identified the worst affected areas and conducted search and rescue operations in these areas.
“British nationals wanting to leave Dominica can do so by ferry to Martinique, St Lucia or Guadeloupe or by helicopter to Antigua.
“You should monitor the local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
The same storm system weakened but was expected to bring up to 6 inches of rain to parts of Florida yesterday (Monday).
Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line were all forced to alter Caribbean itineraries due to the storm.